ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Jal Shakti Abhiyan gears up for monsoon
‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’—is all set to combat the present health crisis and give a boost to the rural economy through its various components. This year owing to the COVID-19 emergency, and availability of large labour force in rural areas, the Abhiyan has started gearing up for the impending monsoon.
In a first of its case a Joint Advisory has been issued from the Department of Rural Development, Dept. of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Dept. of Land Resources & Dept of Drinking Water & Sanitation to all the Chief Secretaries of all States/ UTs, in context with the impending monsoon this year and the preparations to be done for water conservation and recharge which is of utmost importance for our country.
Last year Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched and it covered 256 water stressed districts across the country. This ‘Abhiyan’ is a mass movement to bring all the stakeholders under one ambit of water conservation drive, and last year it had a nationwide impact. Under this Abhiyan more than six and a half crore people became part comprising of State Govts, Central Govt, Civil Society Organisations, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Communities. More than seventy- five lakh traditional and other water bodies and tanks were renovated and around a crore water conservation & rainwater harvesting structures were created.
Encouraged by the response, a wider and more intensive strategy was planned for this year. But owing to the current health emergency, Central Govt officials will not be deployed in Abhiyan this summer. In view of it, it will be ensured that all available resources be optimally deployed to catch the rain during the monsoon this year and preparatory activities are also well placed.
Ministry of Home Affairs have allowed to take up MNGREGS works/ drinking water & sanitation works during lockdown with priority to be given to irrigation and water conservation works. Central and State sector schemes in irrigation and water conservation sectors have also been allowed to be implemented with suitable dovetailing with MNREGS works. It will be further ensured that all works are undertaken with strict implementation of social distancing, use of face covers/ masks and other necessary precautions. Rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, removal of encroachments in the water bodies, desilting of lakes & ponds, construction/ strengthening of inlets/outlets, catchment area treatment can be taken up on priority. Similarly, rejuvenation of small rivers through community driven River Basin Management practices may also be initiated. Such activities would ensure water source sustainability in rural areas and would strengthen the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission being implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti. In addition to it the Village Action Plan  prepared by local community for Jal Jeevan Mission will provide a solid framework to the rural activities.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
5 lakhs community and 67 lakhs individual household toilets to be constructed by end of 2019: Hardeep Singh Puri
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the civic bodies of the national capital will achieve their physical target of constructing 5 lakhs community and 67 lakhs individual household toilets by the end of 2019. Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on “Swachh Survekshan-2019” for the municipal bodies of the national capital city here today, he said, so far as the Open Defecation Free  target was concerned, it required the behavioral change of the public at large in rural and urban areas of the country.
The workshop on “Swachh Survekshan-2019”, organized by the New Delhi Municipal Council  in collaboration with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, was attended by delegates from all the three civic bodies and Delhi Cantonment Board.
Shri Hardeep Puri said that the behavior change had many aspects like gender empowerment, dignity of girl child, and green and clean cities envisioned under the Swachh Bharat Mission. He said, in addition to construction of toilets, more attention and efforts are required in respect of scientific processing of solid waste Management. He said, the Swachhta Mission has now become a mass movement.
The Minister appreciated that the NDMC has bagged the first position in the category of cities of 1-3 Lakh population and overall fourth position in the country and hoped that it would get the overall first position in the forthcoming Swachhta Survekshan-2019.
Shri Hardeep Puri said that under the Smart City initiatives, the NDMC had achieved many milestones by commissioning various projects like Wi-Fi, Smart Poles, Solar Tree and Ideation Centre at Connaught Place.
Stressing upon the reduction of plastic items in day-to-day life, Member Parliament, Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi said that it is the need of the hours to come forward to reduce, reuse and recycle the plastic waste so as to make the planet environment friendly.
Outlining the details of the steps undertaken by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the National Mission Director of the Swachh Bharat, Shri V. K. Jindal informed that the entire nation would be Open Defecation Free by the end of 2019. He said, the scientific segregation of the waste, started in 73 cities in 2016, now has increased to 4,203 cities in 2018 and the all cities of the country will be covered by 2019.
NDMC Chairman, Shri Naresh Kumar in his welcome address threw light on several achievements of the civic body in New Delhi area under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Ministry of Education
Home Ministry grants permission for opening of 3000 CBSE affiliated schools as assessment centres across India to evaluate CBSE Board exams answers sheets
The permission will help us to quickly evaluate 1.5 crore answer sheets - Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'
Home Ministry today granted permission for opening of 3000 CBSE affiliated schools as assessment centres across India to facilitate evaluation of answer sheets of CBSE Board exams. Union Minister for HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' expressed his gratitude towards the Ministry of Home Affairs for giving the permission. He said that 3000 CBSE affiliated schools have been identified as assessment centers across India and special permission will be granted to these schools for the limited purpose of evaluation.
Shri Nishank hoped that this will help us to quickly evaluate the 1.5 crore answer sheets. The results will be declared after the remaining board examinations have been conducted .
Kindly click here for the Office Memorandum of Ministry of Home Affairs
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister meets First Lady of the Republic of Korea
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with H. E. Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, First Lady of the Republic of Korea today.
First Lady Kim is visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. She will be the Chief Guest at the Deepotsav event being organized by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh and the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Memorial of Queen Suriratna  in Ayodhya on 6 November 2018. Ayodhya and Korea have a deep historical connection through the legendary Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, who traveled to Korea in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro.
In their meeting today, the Prime Minister and First Lady Kim discussed the deep civilizational and spiritual links between India and Korea, and exchanged views on promoting people-to-people exchanges.
First Lady Kim congratulated the Prime Minister on being awarded the Seoul Peace Prize. The Prime Minister said that this honour truly belongs to the people of India.
The Prime Minister also warmly recalled the successful visit of President Moon Jae-in to India in July 2018, which imparted fresh momentum to India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Gurudev Tagore on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Gurudev Tagore on his Jayanti.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
On the occasion of his Jayanti, my tributes to Gurudev Tagore. From art to music and from education to literature, he has left an indelible mark across several areas. We reiterate our commitment to fulfilling his vision for a prosperous, progressive and enlightened India."
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
SMP, Kolkata assists to remove idols from the Ganga after immersion
Kolkata, 16th October, 2021
The four days long celebrations and rituals of Durga Puja came to an end on Friday with the beginning of Bijaya Dashami, the day when immersion of idols starts. In greater Kolkata, most of the immersion is done in the Ganga which causes pollution.
As a measure to combat pollution, like previous year this year also Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata is assisting in removal of idols after immersion from Baje Kadamtola Ghat  and Judges Ghat . This process has been done during Durga Puja & Kali Puja since 2010.
Suitable arrangement has been made at the above Ghats, through contractors, by deploying Pontoon Mounted crane , Mechanized boats , barricading by ropes, availability of launch each, and sufficient amount of Manpower  for pulling the immerses idols ashore, soon after immersion, so as to be picked up by the recyclers on the awaiting lorries. Further 4 unskilled manpower is deployed at Nimtala Ghat for the immersion days for assistance.
This arrangement has been made this year, for 04 days for Durga Puja immersions and 04 days for Kali Puja idol immersions, for a total 08 days.
CG/CB/
Photo Caption:- Like previous year , this year also Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata is assisting in removal of idols after immersion from Baje Kadamtola Ghat  and Judges Ghat.
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Ministry of Power
Indian Power Market goes Green
Union Power Minister launches Green Term Ahead Market  in electricity through video conferencing
The market is first Exclusive product for renewable energy sector in the world
GTAM to benefit buyers of RE through competitive prices and transparent and flexible procurement : Sh R K Singh
Sellers will also be benefitted by getting access to Pan India Market
As a first step towards Greening the Indian short term power Market, Shri R. K. Singh, the Minister of State  Power and New & Renewable Energy & Minister of State , launched pan-India Green Term Ahead Market  in electricity through video conference in New Delhi, today, the 1st September 2020.
While speaking after the launch Shri Singh said, “The introduction of GTAM platform would lessen the burden on RE-rich States and incentivize them to develop RE capacity beyond their own RPO. This would promote RE merchant capacity addition and help in achieving RE capacity addition targets of the country.” He further added that GTAM platform will lead to increase in number of participants in renewable energy sector. It will benefit buyers of RE through competitive prices and transparent and flexible procurement. It will also benefit RE sellers by providing access to pan- India market
The Government of India’s target of 175 GW RE Capacity by 2022 is driving accelerated renewable penetration pan-India. Green Term Ahead Market contracts will allow additional avenues to the RE generators for sale of renewable energy; enable Obligated entities to procure renewable power at competitive prices to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations ; and provide a platform to environmentally conscious open access consumers and utilities to buy green power.
Key features of GTAM:
1. Transactions through GTAM will be bilateral in nature with clear identification of corresponding buyers and sellers, there will not be any difficulty in accounting for RPO.
2. GTAM contracts will be segregated into Solar RPO & Non-Solar RPO as RPO targets are also segregated.
3. Further, within the two segments GTAM contracts will have Green Intraday, Day Ahead Contingency, Daily and Weekly Contracts
a. Green Intraday Contract & Day Ahead Contingency Contract – Bidding will take place on a 15-minute time-block wise MW basis.
b. Daily & Weekly Contracts – Bidding will take place on MWh basis. Both buyers and sellers can submit the bid, however the seller will provide profile in terms of 15-minute time block wise quantity  along with the price . After the contract gets executed scheduling will take place as per the profile. In case of multiple buyers, the profile will get allocated on a pro-rata basis.
4. Price discovery will take place on a continuous basis i.e. price time priority basis. Subsequently, looking at the market conditions open auction can be introduced for daily & weekly contracts.
5. Energy scheduled through GTAM contract shall be considered as deemed RPO compliance of the buyer.
Union Power Minister also mentioned that other products to be introduced in power market for promotion of Renewable Energy are in the pipeline and would be introduced soon.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates Integrated Simulator Complex ‘Dhruv’ in Kochi to enhance practical training of Indian Navy personnel
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex  ‘Dhruv’ at Southern Naval Command, Kochi on June 21, 2023. The ISC ‘Dhruv’ hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously-built simulators which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy. These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience on navigation, fleet operations and Naval tactics. These simulators will also be utilised for training of personnel from friendly countries.
Amongst the many simulators envisaged in the complex, the Raksha Mantri visited Multi-Station Handling Simulator , Air Direction and Helicopter Control
Simulator  and Astronavigation Dome. The Ship Handling Simulators produced by ARI Pvt Ltd, New Delhi have been exported to 18 countries. The Astronavigation Dome developed by Infovision Technologies Pvt Ltd is the first-of-its-kind in the Indian Navy.
The ADHCS - developed by Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis, a DRDO laboratory - would be able to provide real-time operational environment scenario to trainees. These technologically advanced simulators are indicative of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and promise great defence export potential for the nation. Some of the other indigenously developed simulators in the Complex include Combat Management System and Maritime Domain Awareness Lab.
During the inauguration, Shri Rajnath Singh also interacted with senior representatives from the firms involved in the development of these simulators.
Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman holds bilateral meeting with Rt Hon Mary Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for International Trade, UK
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman here today met Rt Hon Mary Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for International Trade, United Kingdom.
The Rt Hon Mary Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for International Trade, UK congratulated India for a forward-looking modern budget with its focus on investments and recovery in the post COVID-19 world.
Ms Truss acknowledged India as an influential player in FinTech, Digital Economy, Start-ups, Innovation and Data. Ms Truss further complimented India on the prompt and effective response to COVID-19 pandemic. The close collaboration in the sphere of COVID vaccine, demonstrated the close and trusted partnership between the two countries. The UK government looks forward to working closer with the world’s largest democracy.
Smt. Sitharaman highlighted the reforms brought in through the Budget and suggested areas of closer cooperation with UK, including investments in infrastructure, insurance sector, integrating small and medium enterprises in the global value chain.
The Finance Minister recognised that close collaboration between the two countries in various fields being pursued through India-UK annual Economic and Financial Dialogue. It was noted that India and UK are also working on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs matters.
The meeting underlined the importance of UK as one of the important bilateral partners of India with strong liberal democracies, shared diaspora, trade and investment. It was recognised by both sides that the bilateral trade has been growing steadily since past decade and there exists immense potential for the two countries to enhance it further in the light of the wide spectrum of complementarities and strengths in the post-COVID-19 and post-Brexit period.
Ministry of Education
Union Human Resource Development Minister holdsa series of meetings with Members of Parliament of South Indian states in connection with draft NEP
The Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ held a series of meetings with Members of Parliament  from Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Puducherry in the Parliament over the last few days in connection with the draft New Education Policy . The members discussed the Draft NEP in detail, covering wide range of subjects relating to education. Some of the members also gave their written representation reflecting the educational needs of their respective state/UT to the HRD Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the collective effort and wide-ranging consultationswill further enrich the policy. He said that the Ministry will examine the suggestions/ recommendations received from all the members and with these suggestions/ recommendations; we will be able to formulate a policy that will transform the education system of the country and pave way for a New India. The Minister also informed that till date we have received over one lakh fifty thousand suggestions from the public.
Some main features of New Education Policy are given below:
See the link for English:
See the link for Hindi:
Ministry of Defence
DGDE develops AI-based software to detect unauthorised constructions & encroachments on defence land
Centre of Excellence on Satellite & Unmanned Remote Vehicle Initiative  has developed an Artificial Intelligence-based software which can automatically detect change on ground, including unauthorised constructions and encroachments in a time series using Satellite Imagery. The CoE-SURVEI, established by Directorate General Defence Estates at National Institute of Defence Estates Management, leverages latest technologies in survey viz. satellite imagery, drone imagery and geo-spatial tools for effective land management and urban planning. The CoE was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on December 16, 2021.
This Change Detection Software has been developed by CoE-SURVEI in collaboration with knowledge partner Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Visakhapatnam. Presently, the tool uses National Remote Sensing Centre  Cartosat-3 imagery with trained software. The changes are detected by analysing satellite imagery of different time periods.
The application has been used by CoE in 62 Cantonments and comparison done with ground position in recent period. The tool enables Chief Executive Officers  of Cantonment Boards to identify changes on ground that are of permanent nature and then enables them to check if such changes are authorised or without due sanction of the competent authority. It leads the CEO to know if action has been taken in time against unauthorised constructions or encroachments and if not, suitable legal action can be taken without delay.
The software facilitates better control on unauthorised activities, ensures accountability of field staff and helps in reducing corrupt practices. It was known that out of 1,133 unauthorised changes detected, the action was already taken in 570 cases. In the remaining 563 cases, wherever legal action is warranted the same has been initiated by the Cantonment Boards after changes were detected by the tool.
The change detection tool has resulted in effective defence land management. Efforts are on to further fine tune and upgrade it to achieve higher accuracy. The CoE has now partnered with a couple of other reputed organisations for improved AI interface with change detection tool so as to enhance the functionality of change detection software. This may specifically benefit DGDE and Services in management of defence land located in remote and inhospitable terrains.
The CoE-SURVEI has also developed tools for vacant land analysis and 3D imagery analysis of hill cantonments for land management. By leveraging technology, it is trying to ensure optimum use of defence land through Geographic Information System -based land management systems.
Ministry of Defence
IAF COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE APR 21
First bi-annual IAF Commanders' Conference for the year 2021 will be inaugurated by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri on 15 Apr 21 at Air Headquarters .
The conference of apex level leadership is aimed at addressing the issues of IAF's operational capabilities in the times to come.A series of discussions would be conducted over a period of three days to address strategies and policies related to capabilities that would give IAF a significant edge over its adversaries.Various welfare and Human Resource measures to improve HR and administrative efficiency will also be discussed.
Air Force Commanders' Conference is a bi-annual conference held at Subroto Hall, Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhawan.The Conference provides a forum to the senior leadership of the IAF to discuss critical issues pertaining to Operations, Maintenance and Administration. The conference is attended by the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all Commands of IAF, all Principal Staff Officers and all Director Generals posted at Air HQ.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 187.07 Cr
Over 2.53 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 13,433
2,380 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.76%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.43%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 187.07 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,28,80,254 sessions.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 2.53 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards. 2,37,279 precaution doses have been administered in age group 18-59 years so far.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10404554
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10010217
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4645225
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18414633
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17529032
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7237718
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
25387677
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1247298
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
58005588
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
40877009
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
555377471
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
474148203
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
52080
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
202868175
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
187093461
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
185199
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126827755
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
116547222
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13849594
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2,59,69,816
|
|
Total
|
|
1,87,07,08,111
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 13,433. Active cases now constitute 0.03% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.76%. 1,231 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,25,14,479.
2,380 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 4,49,114 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 83.33 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.43% and the Daily Positivity rate is also reported to be 0.53%.